After ten years working for oil traders in an oil company I wanted to change and extend my activities. Calyon offered me the opportunity to carry out my role as an oil analyst in a different environment. I continue to have very close relationships with oil traders, but now I also have contact with the clients of the Bank, which introduces a lot of diversity into my day-to-day activity. In addition, I have the chance to be part of Calyon’s research team and, as such, to work in a very lively and stimulating environment.

Part of the activity consists of analysing news and data, interacting with my colleagues in the research group, updating models and preparing forecasts. I spend a lot of time looking at Reuters screens, trying to identify the news that could have an impact on oil prices. This research activity provides me with the basis necessary to conduct analysis than can be useful to the Bank’s clients. I also spend a lot of time communicating on my research, writing reports and holding meetings with the Bank's clients.

A deep understanding of oil markets and the oil industry is a necessity. The ability to produce forecasts and a good knowledge of energy economics are needed. Presentation skills and the ability to communicate research are also part of the job.

Being Calyon’s oil market analyst, I have many opportunities to talk to commodity clients but also to the clients of other business lines. In my role, I have the chance to meet a variety of clients coming from different backgrounds and using different types of services that the Bank can provide. I also receive frequent calls from clients and colleagues of various business lines that access Fixed Income Markets research.